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That is the verdict of Toni Nadal, who has talked up the next generation of emerging tennis stars, including Alexander Zverev.

Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Federer have won a combined 251 career titles to date, of which a stunning 51 have been Grand Slams.

The famous trio made a clean sweep of the game’s four biggest tournaments this year, with the latter two won by Djokovic following his return to fitness.

Djokovic’s resurgence came after 2018 had been touted as the year Nadal and Federer would dominate on their own.

Nadal’s uncle Toni has now revealed he was always dismissive of the notion that Novak Djokovic would not be a contender.

Although he’s predicted 2019 see a changing of the guard as the most promising players in tennis make the final step up.

“The truth is that I said from the beginning that Djokovic was going to be on form again when he wanted to since his quality was too high not to count on him,” Nadal told Spanish newspaper Diario Vasco.

“I was surprised that people so quickly stopped thinking of him.

“In 2019 it may be the generation change that is being pointed out is finished.

“The young people have taken an important step this year.

“Karen Khachanov was able to prevail over Djokovic in the final of the Paris Masters.

“Alexander Zverev has also imposed himself on Nole [Djokovic] in London.

“[Denis] Shapovalov is the youngest but can move forward.

“There is a very strong group with [Borna] Coric or [Dominic] Thiem who are about to make the final leap.

“Rafael, Djokovic, Federer and company know that they will have to play with these young people.”

Nadal suggested two of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer’s old foes could return to haunt them too.

“[Juan Martin] Del Potro is another who has had constant problems and sometimes we forget him because he has lacked continuity,” Nadal added.

“It is complicated to play with so many problems.

“But like [Andy] Murray, if they recover, they will be very difficult rivals to beat.”

Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer are now enjoying a well-earned period of rest and recuperation following the conclusion of the 2018 season.